Barskeoch Fell

The walk up Barskeoch Fell takes about ninety minutes from the car park near Newton Stewart, and it's a proper climb - steep enough in places that you'll feel it in your legs, but nothing that requires kit or experience. The summit sits at 690 metres, which doesn't sound high until you're actually ascending it and the Scottish Lowlands sprawl out beneath you in every direction. On a clear day the views reach west towards the Solway Firth and south into England; on a misty one, you're walking through cloud and the fell becomes something altogether moodier.

This is hillwalking for people who like actual hills. Families with young children might find the gradient and loose scree near the top exhausting rather than fun, but teenagers and fit adults will enjoy the honest graft of it. The path is well-trodden and straightforward to follow - no navigation drama required.

If you're staying at Three Lochs Holiday Park or Barnharrow Holiday Pods - both within walking distance - Barskeoch makes an excellent morning activity before you head somewhere flatter for the afternoon. The fell works well as a day-trip destination too; pack a flask and some snacks, take your time on the summit, and you've got yourself a proper outing. Free to access, naturally. Allow a full morning including rest stops and views. Go when the weather's settled if you can - the cloud that rolls in here can be sudden and makes for a frustrating trudge down.